Free The Everlasting Covenant by Robyn Carr Page A

package for her to open. When she was near and eagerly un fastening the ribbons, he noticed that her gown was frayed at the hem and shiny on the elbows. It was not unbecoming, and Anne could be ravishing in the simplest rag, but he frowned, knowing the dress had either been passed on from her older sister, or had been Anne ’ s for a very long time. He doubted the latter, for she had grown taller since the previous summer. Taller, fuller, and more beautiful.
    “ Oh Brennan, ” she sighed, her eyes rounding when she spied the ring. “ It is so beautiful. I have ne ver seen anything more beautiful. ”
    The family crest of dark green beryl that Marcella wore shrank and burned on her finger. Her greatest jewels could not compare to this. Although Brennan had arrived with gifts for the entire Gifford family, Marcella forgot herself as jealousy engulfed her. The earl obviously was not negotiating a family pact for honor and power, he was simply smitten with the lass. “ God ’ s blood, but you ’ ll spoil the wench, my lord. How do you expect her to serve you, weighted with such trinkets? ”
    Lord Forbes ’ s head snapped around in Marcella ’ s direction, and he glared at her . The gem was hardly a trinket – the future Countess of Ayliffe was not a wench. “ Someone should spoil her, madam. Certainly you do not. ”
    “ My lord? ” she questioned, insulted. Marcella drew herself to her impressive full height, her hands clasped in front of her.
    Brennan had felt disquiet, but now he was suddenly incensed. “ Did I not lend my purse to a trousseau? I gave you monies to outfit the lass, yet she descends from her chamber in a dress worn for two winters before this. Is this, madam, the attire befitting a countess? ”
    Marcella scowled, but upon noticing his changed mood, she checked her response. “ Your pardon, Lord Forbes, but our family has been beset with a great many obligations – serious matters of state have lately taken precedence over the attire of my youngest child. ”
    “ Anne, is this the finest gown you possess? ” Brennan asked her, his anger straining to find full bloom.
    “ Brennan, please, ” she softly begged. “ It is of no matter. I have other gowns, finer gowns. Please. ”
    The pleading in her eyes only further convinced him. As he looked at Marcella, he saw standing behind her a scowling Divina, wearing a very beautiful deep green velvet gown, with a fancy and valuable necklace sparkling on her throat. They treated Anne more like a servant than a daughter. Comparing the two daughters, Brennan was even more confused. Little was required to enhance Anne ’ s beauty, but much money and at tention had seemed poorly placed on Divina. What confusion clouded Lady Gifford ’ s judgment? How had this woman con signed her beautiful lastborn child to a life of misery among the spoils? Why had they considered the convent for the sweetest, the most desirable of their daughters?
    “ Affairs of state, ” he snorted. “ It is usually the lord who handles soldiers and politics, madam. It is to Lord Gifford ’ s credit that he has one so efficient to endorse letters on his behalf, but I ask you, madam, who cares for the wants of your children? You willingly accept a rich betrothal contract for this young woman, yet you take no pains to make her presentable? ”
    Marcella took a step toward the Earl of Ayliffe, but he held up a hand to ward her off, shaking his head impatiently. “ Never mind. Since I am displeased, I will pleasure myself by having clothing made for her – clothing that I find suitable for a countess. And never, madam, ever refer to my future wife as a wench again. ” He took a deep breath. “ Guard this precious jewel carefully, Lady Gif ford, as though your very life depends on it. ”
    Lord Gifford did not defend his wife, but watched the Earl of Ayliffe with admiration and gratitude. He had earlier resented Marcella ’ s interference in this marriage arrangement, but now he